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Qi Yan leaned in, his eyes glued to the massive magic screen, a flicker of anticipation in his gaze. He knew better than anyone the sheer potential of the woman about to compete. Erza Scarlet.
A raw, self-taught genius of the blade. In the world he knew, the legendary Fairy Queen had reached stratospheric levels of swordsmanship purely through relentless self-study. Now, he was about to see her perform on a grander stage.
Soon, the contestants for Group B streamed onto the field. Unlike the first group, these warriors were already familiar with the rules. They didn't rush, instead spreading out, every head swiveling to gauge the threats and scout their targets.
As one of the few women, and clearly possessing a strong aura, Erza was instantly marked.
"Who do you think takes this one?" a voice boomed in the stands.
"Cayman, hands down! He's an Eight-Star Swordsman, practically a Nine-Star already! Master Rossa said he'd reach that rank in three years, tops."
"Don't discount Barto. The veteran Eight-Star. He's held his own against actual Nine-Stars before!"
The audience was a hive of speculation. Since no formal Nine-Star Swordsmen were competing, the consensus was that an Eight-Star would emerge victorious. Yet, many couldn't help but stare at the striking figure with the iconic, flowing blood-red hair. Her beautiful face and presence made her impossible to ignore.
"Now for the first round, Group B showdown, BEGIN—!!"
CLANG!
The deafening strike of the gong launched the second battle into motion.
"Little lady! You're getting eliminated first!"
Several swordsmen who had targeted Erza instantly lunged.
Pfft—!
A crimson blur flashed—the sound of steel meeting flesh—and the first wave of attackers crumpled to the ground. They hadn't even scratched her. Erza moved with cold, efficient precision, immediately turning to engage the surrounding swordsmen. Few could withstand her blade for even a single exchange.
"That red-haired girl is unbelievable!" The crowd gasped.
In short order, the field was cleared, leaving only three Eight-Star Swordsmen and Erza. The four masters converged into a furious, breathtaking melee. Swords clashed, sparks flew, and the air crackled with honed skill.
Erza's heart hammered with pure excitement. This was exactly why she had entered! A chance to spar against so many dedicated masters—her sword skills were sharpening with every parry and strike.
The three male champions quickly realized they were in a stalemate, their focus split between each other and the devastating woman. They exchanged a grim look, silently agreeing to the unthinkable: a three-on-one ambush. They abandoned their individual battles and ganged up on Erza.
Yet, Erza remained perfectly composed. She fought steadily, her eyes scanning, hunting for the smallest flaw in their coordination.
The anxiety of three men struggling to defeat one woman began to fray their nerves, and anxiety breeds weakness.
Erza seized the inevitable opening, a clean, decisive cut taking down the first of the Eight-Stars. Now two-on-one, she began to patiently analyze the remaining opponents' style. She was learning them, absorbing their techniques.
Pfft!
Another one fell.
She spent a brief, focused period on the last man, finally defeating him with a swift, final move.
"Victory decided!! Winner! Erza Scarlet!"
The commentator was practically shouting. "This is truly amazing! To possess such breathtaking swordsmanship! Facing the simultaneous assault of three Eight-Star Swordsmen, she held firm and defeated them all! Could we be about to witness the birth of a female Nine-Star Swordsman?! Let's cheer for Erza!"
"ERZA! ERZA! ERZA!" The arena erupted. Girls in the audience were mesmerized, chanting her name, captivated by her sheer coolness.
Everyone present understood swordsmanship. Erza's techniques weren't flashy, but simple, fundamental movements executed with impossible speed and perfection. The more basic the technique, the more it revealed the true level of the master.
In the contestant viewing area, a burly man named Clay rubbed his chin, a predatory look in his eye as the magic screen zoomed in on Erza's beautiful, determined face: "What a woman."
In the palace, a colossal magic screen displayed the action for the King himself.
"Indeed," the King smiled, watching Erza's triumph. "Swordsmanship that can effortlessly fell a Five-Star monster cannot be simple." He glanced down at the dossiers on his table.
Erza Scarlet: Fairy Tail S-Class Mage, Nickname: Fairy Queen. Magic: Requip, capable of summoning various armors to enhance attack, defense, and physical abilities.
Qi Yan: Fairy Tail New Mage, no title. Achievements: Single-handedly defeated the Phantom Bandit Gang led by the King of Assassins Camille.
Qi Yan smiled at the screen. "As expected of Erza."
"Next up is Group C, contestants enter!!"
Suddenly, the cheers were so loud they drowned out the announcer. "ARTHUR! ARTHUR! ARTHUR!"
Qi Yan was startled. "Such popularity!" he asked the person beside him.
"Isn't he a Nine-Star Swordsman? Why is he so much more popular than the others?"
The person looked at Qi Yan with utter disbelief. "You don't know Arthur? Other Nine-Stars earn the rank because their strength meets the criteria. Arthur is a Nine-Star because the rank simply doesn't go any higher! He is the strongest Nine-Star Swordsman alive!"
Arthur stood and walked toward the arena.
As the Group C contestants entered, they didn't waste a glance at the audience or their surroundings. Every eye was fixed on Arthur. They understood the cold, hard truth: to win this tournament, they had to defeat the strongest man in the field.
"Now for the first round, Group C showdown, BEGIN—!!"
CLANG!
The moment the gong struck, every single contestant roared and charged toward Arthur.
"Flash of Light!"
The sword in Arthur's hand ignited with a blinding, golden light. With a single, impossibly fast thrust, a tide of pure, brilliant golden sword energy surged out.
"Ugh ah ah ah!!"
"Wah ah ah ah!!"
The sound of resistance was immediate, followed by cries of pain. The attack was too dense, too powerful. In the span of a single breath, every one of the one hundred-plus contestants was flattened, defeated by a single strike.